August 2023 - Health BeatHealth Beat

Three Essential Back to School Tips

Posted on August 31, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

Although your child may be exposed to several health risks as the new school year begins, you can help them stay healthy by following these tips:

Getting your child vaccinated: Ensuring that your child receives their recommended immunizations is a simple, effective way to keep them from getting sick. In fact, many schools require students to receive their immunizations in order to attend classes.

Hand-washing and sanitization: Hand-washing and sanitizing alone go a long way toward staying in school; according to the Centers for Disease Control, hand-washing can reduce the risk of respiratory illness by up to 21%. Following and promoting sanitary practices at home may make it easier for them to continue these practices while at school.

Creating a mentally healthy environment: Physical illness isn’t the only health risk your child may face in class. Stress, bullying, or even issues like undiagnosed ADD or ADHD can negatively impact their mental health and their ability to stay focused on their studies. Staying aware of the causes of mental health issues, creating a supportive environment at home, encouraging your child to maintain healthy routines, and helping them learn effective coping mechanisms can make it easier for them to maintain a healthy state of mind throughout the school year.

Visit Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center to get your child the medical help they need to stay engaged with their studies. You can also visit our Psychiatry Department for help addressing mental health challenges that arise before, during, or after the school year.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

What Treatments Are Available For Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Posted on August 30, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can cause a variety of debilitating symptoms, such as joint pain, stiffness, and fatigue, that can significantly interfere in your daily life. It can also cause lasting damage to multiple parts of your body, such as your nerves, skin, and heart. However, several approaches to treatment can help relieve your symptoms and reduce the severity of these long-term effects.

Medication is a common element of treatment for people who are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, though which ones are prescribed by your doctor will depend on the nature and severity of your symptoms.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and reduce inflammation
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are typically among the first medications prescribed to slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis
Biologics are used to reduce inflammation by targeting certain parts of the immune system that contribute to it
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors block enzymes that signal inflammatory and immune responses in cells
Analgesics reduce pain in people who cannot take NSAIDs, but do not reduce inflammation
Corticosteroids are strong anti-inflammatory drugs that may be given while slow-acting medications begin to take effect

Exercise is also often beneficial for people living with rheumatoid arthritis. Many people diagnosed with this condition work with a physical therapist, who can create an effective exercise program that improves your strength and mobility. A physical therapist can also teach you techniques for relieving pain, ways of moving that prevent further physical damage, and exercises that you can perform on your own outside of scheduled sessions.

If other treatments are not providing adequate relief or offering significant improvement, your doctor may recommend joint replacement surgery. This most often involves hip and knee replacements, which can be effective for people with rheumatoid arthritis, but other affected joints may also be replaced for improved mobility and pain relief. Joint replacement surgery may also be followed up by physical therapy, which can help you learn how to stay mobile without causing damage to your joint replacements or surrounding parts of your body.

You can receive treatment for rheumatoid arthritis at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Division of Rheumatology. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-6742.

Jamaica Hospital Provides On-Site Services at Jamaica Jams 2023

Posted on August 29, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center recently participated in the 2023 Jamaica Arts & Music Summer Festival (Jamaica Jams), an annual event that promotes family, senior, and youth-centered activities and showcases the diverse cultural talents, foods, and arts of the Queens community.

Jamaica Jams draws an estimated 150,000 people to the area’s central business district each year, stretching across 10 blocks of Jamaica Avenue between Parsons Boulevard and 170^th Street. Jamaica Hospital was stationed in the Healthfirst Pavilion, located on 165th Street between Archer Avenue and Jamaica Avenue, which is primarily designated for senior health and wellness.

Teams from several of Jamaica Hospital’s departments provided a variety of on-site services during the event, including:

Nutrition counseling
Vascular screening and education
Trauma prevention education
Podiatry screening
Mental health and wellness education
Mindfulness and exercise Information
Blood pressure screening
Pulse oximetry screening
Respiratory and asthma education
Dental and oral screening

We were also joined at this year’s event by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. This team provided genetic risk assessment screenings and educational information.

All of us at Jamaica Hospital are thrilled to have been able to participate in this year’s Jamaica Jams. We look forward to seeing our community at this event next year!

COVID-19 Variant BA.2.86: What You Should Know

Posted on August 28, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) detected a new variant of COVID-19 called BA.2.86. While many details about this variant are not currently known, it is believed (though unconfirmed) that it can potentially cause infections more easily in people who have previously had COVID-19 or have been vaccinated against the virus.

Cases of BA.2.86 were first detected in Denmark and Israel before initially appearing in the United States. The presence of this variant was also preliminarily detected in a wastewater sample collected by the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS), one of multiple monitoring systems used by the CDC to detect COVID-19 variants and better understand their spread throughout the United States.

BA.2.86 has a large number of mutations compared to other variants of COVID-19, raising concerns that it may be more resistant against the immunity provided by vaccines and other treatments. However, it is believed that, based on the mutation profile of this variant, current treatments such as Paxlovid, Veklury, and Lagevrio, as well as the new vaccines to be made available to the public this fall, will still offer effective protection. Additionally, most of the United States population carries COVID-19 antibodies due to prior vaccination, infection, or both, which will likely continue to provide protection against severe illness due to the virus.

BA.2.86 spreads in the same way as other COVID-19 variants, which means that it can generally be prevented in the same ways. Aside from staying up to date with your vaccinations, some steps you can take to protect yourself and others include:

Washing your hands
Staying home and getting tested for COVID-19 if you feel sick
Seeking treatment if you test positive
Wearing a high-quality mask that fits over your nose and mouth
Improving ventilation in your home and work space

You can get vaccinated and treated for COVID-19 at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-7001.

Are You Prepared for Hurricane Season ?

Posted on August 24, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

While we typically associate the summer with delightful temperatures, this time of year can also bring dangerous weather conditions, namely hurricanes.

With a long history of providing relief to places previously devastated by hurricanes, including sending personnel to assist the victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Maria, Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is experienced and knowledgeable about how to properly prepare for such an event. Our hospital would like to share the following safety tips with our community:

In case of a need to evacuate, know where the nearest evacuation route is located
Keep a supply of non-perishable food that doesn’t require refrigeration or cooking
In an easy to locate area of your home keep flashlights, extra batteries, extra cash, a first aid kit, basic tools, charged cell phones and chargers, and a battery operated radio
Make sure you have a seven day supply of prescription medications
Have a three day supply of drinking water, one gallon per day per person.
Fill a bathtub with water to use to flush toilets
Make sure that all of your important documents are kept in a place that is high above ground level. Always keep a copy of these documents with you if there is a need to evacuate
Give everyone in your household a list of people they should contact in case of an emergency
Have a plan to protect your pets and have extra food for them
Prepare to put outdoor furniture away or at least firmly secured

By being prepared and following these tips, you can help keep your home and your loved ones safe from disaster.

For more information, please visit https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes and www.fema.gov

What is the Difference Between Palliative and Hospice Care?

Posted on August 23, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Relief from symptoms is an important aspect of medical care for anyone experiencing a serious chronic condition such as heart failure, cancer, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Palliative and hospice care both focus on this part of your treatment; however, it’s important to know which type of care is most appropriate under your individual circumstances.

Palliative care involves medical, social, and emotional care and support to help provide relief. It can be provided at any stage of illness alongside other treatments intended to cure or improve your underlying condition and can involve a variety of medical specialists and professionals, including (but not limited to) doctors, nurses, social workers, and nutritionists. Ideally, palliative care should be provided as soon as possible after diagnosis to maintain your quality of life throughout the treatment process.

If treatment is no longer improving your condition, you could continue to receive palliative care focused on providing as much comfort as possible for the remainder of your life, or you may begin to receive hospice care if your doctor expects that you only have a short time left to live (typically six months or less).

Like palliative care, hospice care focuses on providing relief from symptoms and is offered in a variety of settings, such as at home, in a hospital, or in a nursing home. However, people who receive hospice care no longer receive treatments for their underlying illness. Care is focused solely on ensuring they are as comfortable as possible until death. This can involve most of the same types of medical care providers involved with palliative care. A member of the hospice team will visit regularly and someone will usually be available by phone as needed.

Hospice care at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center includes a variety of services and amenities, such as symptom management, nursing care, psychosocial and emotional support, and overnight accommodations for family members of patients, to provide you with maximum comfort and quality of life. To learn more, please visit our Hospice Care Services page.

The Risk of Dehydration During Warm Weather Months

Posted on August 16, 2023 by Andrew Rubin

Dehydration is a condition, seen at any time of the year but more often during the warmer months, whereby the body doesn’t have enough water and therefore is unable to function properly. The severity of dehydration, mild, moderate or severe indicates how much water is missing from the body. Severe dehydration can lead to the body going into shock. The people who are most susceptible to dehydration are people who work outdoors in warm weather, and also athletes, the elderly, and people who live in high altitudes.

The body loses water in various ways. These include:

Sweating
Urinating
Breathing,
Crying
Pooping

We can lose an even greater amount of water when we have a fever, diarrhea, vomiting, sweating heavily while exercising strenuously, frequently urinating due to diabetes or when taking certain medications that cause us to deplete the water in our bodies.

What are the symptoms of dehydration? Depending on the severity, in adults they can include:

Headaches
Dizziness
Weakness
Muscle cramps
Low blood pressure
Dark urine
Dry skin
Rapid heartbeat
Rapid breathing
Sleepiness

In young children symptoms of dehydration can also include having a dry diaper for several hours, crying without tears, sunken eyes, irritability, and a dry mouth and tongue.

The recommended amount of water taken in every day for an adult woman is 92 fluid ounces and for an adult man it is 124 fluid ounces. More water may be necessary if exercising strenuously or spending time in a very warm environment for an extended period of time. It is recommended that people who are dehydrated avoid caffeinated beverages, sugary drinks, and drinks containing alcohol.

If a person is suspected of being dehydrated, medical exams can help to diagnose it. This will include a thorough history, blood pressure, heart rate, blood test, and urine exams. A simple way to rehydrate some people is to have them drink more water during the day, and in some cases a sports drink that contains electrolytes. A young child may be given called Pedialyte. In more severe cases it may be necessary to give fluids intravenously.

If you have symptoms of dehydration, consult with a physician immediately. A severe case of dehydration can lead to complications, and potentially death. For less severe cases., you can schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-206-7001.

The Health Benefits of Flavonoid-Rich Foods

Posted on August 16, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Flavonoids are compounds found naturally in many fruits and vegetables that can reduce inflammation and protect your body against various types of toxins. They provide these benefits by regulating cellular activity and improving your resistance against free radicals, which cause damage to surrounding cells.

There are six types of flavonoids, each of which provides different benefits to your health and can be found in certain foods. They include:

Flavanols: This type of flavonoid has particularly strong antioxidant properties that can help protect your body against symptoms of cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions. They can be found in foods such as broccoli, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, peaches, berries, grapes, and kale, as well as liquids such as tea and red wine.

Flavan-3-ols: The most commonly-consumed type of flavonoid, flavan-3-ol, can lower your risk of several forms of cardiometabolic disease, including (but not limited to) hypertension (high blood pressure), insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia (high cholesterol). Flavan-3-ols can be found in tea, chocolate, apples, pears, and berries.

Flavones: Flavones are notable for their ability to help reduce inflammation in the body. They can typically be found in parsley, red peppers, celery, chamomile, and peppermint.

Flavanones: Like flavones, flavanones have anti-inflammatory properties; additionally, they are strong antioxidants and can help you to control your cholesterol and weight. They are generally found in citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit.

Isoflavones: These flavonoids can help to control hormonal balance, potentially improving problems such as anxiety and depression, as well as symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes. Isoflavones can be found in soy products and certain legumes, such as fava beans, chickpeas, pistachios, and peanuts.

Anthocyanins: Anthocyanins can boost your protection against a variety of chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, neurological disease, and cancer. They can be found in berries and berry products, including red and purple grapes, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and red wine.

The registered dieticians at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center are ready to help you plan a diet that can reduce your risk of disease, maintain a healthy weight, and improve your overall health. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please call (718) 657-7093.

Things to Consider Before Doing a Colon Cleanse

Posted on August 10, 2023 by Jamaica Hospital Medical Center

A colon cleanse is the process of flushing out the large intestine. This can be done in one of two ways, one involves introducing large volumes of fluid into the colon, and the other involves taking powdered or liquid supplements such as laxatives, magnesium, or herbal tea by mouth. Both methods will stimulate the emptying of the colon of its contents.

History shows that colon cleanses date back thousands of years to ancient Greece. The theory of performing colon cleansing is to help remove toxins from the body which may be accumulating in the colon and can’t be expelled on their own.

Some of the conditions people believe are helped by doing a colon cleanse are fatigue, weight gain, low energy, and headaches.

Some of the potential risks of doing a colon cleanse include:

Dehydration
Mineral imbalance
Bowel perforation
Infection
Kidney failure
Nausea
Cramps
Bacterial imbalance

Some people should be extra cautious about having colon cleanses or might want to avoid them completely. These include people with the following conditions:

Diverticulitis
Crohn’s disease
Hemorrhoids
Rectal tumors
Heart disease
Ulcerative colitis
Tumors in the colon

Colon cleanses should only be done by a professional and only after consulting with a physician first. If you would like to make an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center please call 718-206-7001.

What is Eye Cancer?

Posted on August 9, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Eye cancer is an extremely rare form of cancer that first develops in the eyeball or nearby structures such as the tear ducts and eyelids.

There are several different types of eye cancer. The most common form is intraocular melanoma. These often develop in the choroid, a structure in the uvea (the middle part of the eye), but can also begin in the iris (the colored part of the eye) and the ciliary body (the muscles behind the iris that allow you to focus on close or distant objects). Intraocular melanoma can also develop in the conjunctiva (the membrane that covers the front of your eyeball).

Other forms of eye cancer include:

Eyelid cancer
Orbital cancer
Retinoblastoma
Intraocular lymphoma

Symptoms of eye cancer generally include vision loss, blurred vision, flashes of light, and spots in your vision, and can also potentially include eye bulging or irritation, a growing dark spot in the iris, a growing lump on the eyelid or eyeball, and changes in the movement or positioning of the eyeball. However, many people with eye cancer may not experience any symptoms and, as a result, may not be aware of their condition until it’s discovered by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Several factors may increase your risk of developing eye cancer. It occurs most commonly in people over the age of 50 (with the exception of retinoblastoma, which is most common in children under five years of age). It’s also more common for people with pale skin complexion, people with light-colored eyes, and people with certain inherited conditions, such as dysplastic nevus syndrome or BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome.

Radiation therapy and surgery are common treatment options for eye cancer. These may be supplemented by additional treatment approaches, such as laser therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that minimizes your risk of vision loss or other potential complications.

The specialists at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Ophthalmology can help you get the care you need to treat your eye cancer effectively, achieve remission, and preserve your vision. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-5900.